معرفی
Mirna El Khatib is a Research Assistant Professor in the Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics at the Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania. She specializes in organic chemistry and biomedical imaging, with a focus on oxygen sensing and the radiobiological effects of FLASH radiotherapy.
Her research centers on the development of membrane-anchored imaging probes and understanding the mechanisms behind the FLASH effect, which involves ultra-high dose rate radiation therapy. Her work integrates synthetic chemistry, photophysics, and in vivo imaging techniques to study tumor hypoxia, blood flow dynamics, and therapeutic optimization.
The recent publications highlight a strong trend in oxygen monitoring, radiation biology, and photodynamic therapy, often in collaboration with multidisciplinary teams across institutions. Her work bridges fundamental chemistry with translational medical applications, particularly in oncology and neurophotonics.
Scientific Awards:
- NIH K25 Fellowship
Dr. El Khatib mentors graduate students, including MD/PhD candidate Charlotte Monsour, and is actively involved in collaborative research projects. She has contributed to studies involving photodynamic therapy optimization, real-time oxygen tracking, and novel probe development. Her group receives support through collaborative grants, particularly within the Vinogradov Lab, which has strong ties to Penn’s Chemistry Department and external institutions such as MGH/Harvard and Dartmouth College.
She is a key member of the Vinogradov Lab, which focuses on developing advanced optical imaging tools and sensors. The lab fosters a collaborative environment involving physicists, chemists, and biomedical engineers working on cutting-edge problems in biophysics and medicine.
